Bill Brooks, Calgary Herald
It’s unfathomable but true. It was not until the heroic efforts of five amazing ladies that, prior to 1929, women were not legally recognized as persons under the law. The Famous Five, as they became known, altered the course of history for all Canadians-and arguably women around the world.
Their legacy is honoured by the Famous 5 Foundation which has, since its inception: installed bronze monuments of the Famous Five in Calgary and Ottawa; worked with educators in Western Canada to ensure the study of the Famous Five is included in school curricula; hosted the inspiring Enbridge Speaker Series for Women; offered workshops and youth awards to young girls who want to make a difference in their communities.
Add to this the recently successful Famous 5 Gala held Oct 1 at Hotel Arts. The gastronomic gala proved the perfect pairing between the Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance and the foundation. The aptly-numbered five-course meal featuring amazing cuisine prepared by world-class chefs. That wonderful wines accompanied each course ensured all in attendance were sublimely satiated. Superb silent auction items and tributes to women who are tops in their field added cache to the SRO event.
Chefs taking to the kitchen to create divine dining included: Kathleen Blake (Rusty Spoon); Lindsay Porter (El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar); Wanda Ly (WinSport); Judy Wood (Meez Cuisine & Catering); Erin Pickering (Nicole Gourmet); Andrea Harling (MadeFoods); and Natascha Schwarzer (Cococo Chocolatiers). Mixologist Chrristina Mah, Raw Bar general manager, created a delicious pre-dinner cocktail while Willow Park Wines’ Peggy Perry expertly paired wondrous wines with each course.
Kudos to all the sponsors, guests and the tireless gala committee on the success of the event. And cheers to you sentiments go out to: Kim Berjian; Mona Csada; Mona Hunter; Donna Leonard Robb; Dana Lougheed; Carolyn Robertson; Emily Varga; Allison Webb; Fraser Abbott; Tannis Baker; Rhe Green; Liana Robberecht; and Hotel Arts executive chef Jans Hansen.
Pictured with reason to smile at the Famous 5 Gala held Oct 1 at Hotel Arts are Famous 5 Foundation chair Carolyn Robertson and gala chair Kim Berjian. The SRO event was co-hosted by the foundation and Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance.
Originally published in Calgary Herald